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35 


1 — 1 

The Spy 




ELIZABETH WILSON. 




PRICE 25 CENTS 



Eldridge Entertainment House 

Franklin, Ohio 






L 



RELEASED FOR AMATEUR PRODUCTION. 

'Hie little Polidciaii" 

Br SEYMOUR S. TIBBALS 



A aOMEDY IN FOUR ACTS 



SEVEN MALES AND THREE FEMALES 



K 



HIS play was produced professionally 
for several^easons under another title, 
and is now released for amateur production 
without' royalty and without restrictions 
of any- kind. . The scenery and costumes 
are simple. Time, about two hours. A 
young society girl plays an important part 
in overthrowing a corrupt political boss 
and brings about the election of her 
fiance; The race' for the hand of a 
wealthy widow by rival suitors furnishes 
the comedy, A pretty story is unfolded, 
but without actual love-making or any 
scenes objectionable to the amateur. 
Recommended for high schools and dra- 
matic clubs. 

g^^ThQ^SLTden party in the second act affords 
opportunity for tiie introduction of any number of 
characters. 

PRICE, S3 CEPnTS 



Seat Postpaid on Receipt of Price by Ifes 

ELDRIDGE ENTERTAIMENT HOUSE 

Franklin, Ohio 



': ■ u --j »' 



THE SPY 



A Revolutionary War Play in Four Acts 



By ELIZABETH WILSON 



Copyright. 1915, Eldrldge Entertainment House. 



Eldridge Entertainment House. ] 

FRANKLIN, OHIO. \ 



CHARACTERS AS THEY APPEAR. 

Mrs. Haywood — Wife of the late Major Haywood. 

Susan Haywood — Her daughter. 

Dorothy Johnson — Susan's best friend. 

Unci^e: Peter — An old negro servant. 

Nancy Haywood — A cousin — Daughter of an Ameri- 
can Scout Commander. 

Dick Haywood — Susan's brother — A Scout. 

Lieutenant Page — Of the American Scouts — Susan's 
lover. 

Colonel Livingstone — Of the British Scouts. 

Major Abbot — ^Of the British Scouts. 

SmythE — An orderly. 

General Haywood — Of the American Scouts. 



Time — ^Early spring of 178L 

Place — Home of late Major Haywood in the northern 
part of South Carolina. 



JCI.D 42599 



"EC 20 i9/i) 



THE SPY. 



ACT I. 

{Scene, Living Room at the Hayzvood Home. 
As the curtain rises Mrs. H. is sitting at table, 
center, sewing. Susan busy paring apples.) 

Susan. Mother, haven't cousin Nancy and Uncle 
Peter come yet? 

Mrs. H. No, dear. Uncle Peter left just after break- 
fast and its almost five o'clock but they are not here yet. 
Poor little girl, it will be a long, hard ride for her. I 
will brew her a cup of herbs for I'm sure she'll be utter- 
ly fatigued when she arrives. They ought to be here at 
any moment now. 

Susan. I do think its a shame, when Dorothy just 
came yesterday to make me a nice little visit, for uncle 
John to consider it safer for Nancy to be with us than 
way over there where the British haven't been for 
months. Why couldn't she have waited a week or two? 

Mrs. H. Why, Susan ! I'm heartily ashamed of you. 
In these troublesome war times you know it is much 
safer for your cousin Nancy to be with us than 
twelve miles from the public highway with servants. 
Your uncle John knows best and I'm sure if your father 
were alive he would insist upon it. Besides, my dear, 
Nancy is four years your junior and will not disturb you 
and Dorothy in the least I'm sure. 

{Enter Dorothy. Susan rushes at her affectionately.) 

Mrs. H. Come in my dear. I was just going to tell 
Susan of her cousin's affliction. Her father wrote me 
that she had a bad fall last autumn and that it injured 
her brain. Although the poor child never suffers, her 
mind is weak and she is very childish, so you girls must 
be kind to her. 



4 The Spy 

Dorothy. Indeed we shall be, Mistress Haywood. 

Susan. Why, mother. I didn't know that before! 
Why didn't uncle John let us know ? I'm sorry I talked 
that way. Of course she'll be safer here. 

Mrs. H^. My dear girl, you must remember that your 
uncle is commander of a large number of scouts and I 
hardly think has time for outside correspondence. 

Susan. Mother, are scouts ever spies. 

Mrs. H. Sometimes, yes. W^hen a scout is in the ene- 
my's territory seeking information for his side, he is a 
spy. 

Dorothy. It certainly must take a brave person to be 
one. 

(Noise Outside.) 

Mrs. H. There they are now. 

(Mrs. H. goes to door, girls to zvindozv. Enter Peter 
dragging small trunk follozved by Nancy zvith large rag 
doll and a satchel, she is shy and azvkzvard.) 

Peter. Missus, heah am Miss Nancy. Heah she be. 
I done tried to hurry dat ole mule but no mattah how 
hahd I tries he goes jes persackly hes own way. 

(Exit zuith trunk, R.) 

Mrs. H. (Kisses her.) I'm so glad to see you dear. 
This is Aunt Sophie. Don't you remember me? And 
this is Susan. (Nancy looks blank.) 

Susan. Goodness Nancy — how you have grown ! This 
is Dorothy Johnson ; my best friend. I want you to look, 
mother. She'll soon be as tall as I am. You certainly 
have grown. 

(Exit Mrs. H., shaking her head sadly.) 

Nancy. I haven't grown either. This is the same 
dress I had last spring and the same hat and the same 
mitts. I'm not sure but I'm afraid my feet's grown. 

(Enter Mrs. H. zvith herb tea.) 

Mrs. H. Here, Nancy, drink this cup of hot herbs. 



The Spy 5 

It will warm you up and make you feel better. I'm 
sorry I haven't tea for you. 

(Enter Peter for bag.) 

Nancy. I wouldn't drink any old English tea if you 
did have. (Tastes and makes awful face.) 

(Girls laugh and Uncle Peter nearly bends double. 
Bxit Peter with bag laughing.) 

Stisan. What's that you have in your arm, Nancy? 
A doll? Let's see it. 

Nancy. (Panic-stricken, clasping doll to her.) No! 
No! you shan't touch her. You shan't. (Sadly.) Now 
that daddy's off at war and I've been sent over here, Me- 
lindy's all I've got. And you can't take her from me. 
(Beginning to cry.) 

(Girls look at each other in utter amazement.) 

Mrs. H. Poor child. You're tired and nervous after 
that long drive. Come, I will take you to your room and 
you can rest. 

(Exit Mrs. H. and Nancy.) 

Susan. Poor little thing. Isn't it pitiful? And she 
used to be so bright. {Sits on divan.) 

Dorothy. Yes, indeed it is. I met her father, Colonel 
Haywood, when his company of scouts were camping in 
our neighborhood last month. They were there for sev- 
eral days and the officers ate at our house and I persu- 
aded your uncle to let Dick come several times when he 
was off duty. (Goes to window.) Dick is a nice boy. 

Susan. How is he? 

Dorothv. Just as foolish and sassv as ever — the same 
old Dick.' 

Susan. Did you meet Lieutenant Page ? 

Dorothy. (Turning.) Who? 

Stisan. I said did you — meet Lieutenant Palmer? 

Dorothy. Yes. Isn't he a bore? 



6 The Spy 

Susan. And were Colonel Stetford and Major Ford 
there ? 

Dorothy. Yes, all the officers. 

Stisan. Oh-eh. Lieutenant Page? 

Dorothy. {Coming back to divan.) Yes. Isn't he 
attractive? He was over home all the time he was off 
duty. When we found out that we both knew you so 
well we felt like old friends. He has such genteel man- 
ners. Don't you think him extremely nice? 

Susan. Well, yes — rather. 

Dorothy. I had a letter from him the other day. He 
writes such interesting ones. He S3.id— (Susan jumps 
tip and starts toward the door) — Why, what's the mat- 
ter? 

Susan. I must go and see if mother does not want me. 

Dorothy. Oh, Mistress Haywood doesn't need you, 
you know. Let me tell you what Lieutenant Page said? 

Susan. I'm perfectly indifferent as to the contents of 
Robert Page's note. (Leaves room hurriedly.) 

Dorothy. What can be the matter with Susan? Oh, 
a lovers' quarrel I suppose. It's too bad she objects to 
his sending his kindest regards to our friend Susan and 
her mother. (Musingly.) Well, if that's the way Susan 
feels about it, then I need no longer stand back on her 
account, but make myself as attractive as possible to 
Lieutenant Page. (Jumps up and goes to mirror and 
primps.) I think I shall go to my room and answer his 
note and send it over to the camp at my first opportun- 
ity. (Uxit.) 

(Enter Nancy, R. and Uncle Peter at door. Uncle 
Peter greatly agitated.) 

Peter. Fob de lan's sake, wheah am de Missus ? 

Nancy. Uncle Peter, what is it? Tell me. 

Peter. I jes been down to de spring house and while 
I'se dah. Missus Pembahton, she driv by and she hol- 
lahs from de road dat dem British-ahs was a pitchin' 
camp about free miles up de road. 



The Spy 7 

Nancy. The British! Are you sure? 

Peter. Yes um ! Missus Pembahton sho dun say 
British scouts. Oh Lawd hab mercy on de poah ole 
sinners. {Moans.) 

Nancy. Uncle Peter, tell me exactly what she said. 

Peter. She say dat der British routs — s-sc-scouts was 
a pitchin' camp five miles up the road and I mus hurry 
and tell de Missus. 

(Pulls a. revolver out of her doll and points it at him. 
He falls on his knees moaning and groaning.) 

Nancy. Uncle Peter, don't you dare say one word to 
Aunt Sophie about the British until I tell you to. Get 
up from there this minute and don't look so scared. I'm 
not going to hurt you if you keep still and do as I say. 
I'm not crazy at all. I have perfectly good common 
sense. If you don't believe me I'll tell you this and I 
guess you will. I am one of my father's scouts. He 
sent me here as a spy to watch the movements of the 
British. Don't mention this to Aunt Sophie. Do you 
hear? For father doesn't want me to deceive her this 
way but he needed me here. I know she would be nerv- 
ous if she realized the danger I am constantly in. (Puts 
pistol back in doll.) Now you go back to the kitchen 
and remember — not by word or deed to let them know 
the British are near, or that I am a spy. Do you un- 
derstand ? 

Peter. Yes mum. I understands youse a spy. Yes 
mum ! 

Nancy. But you are not to let anyone know. 
Peter. No 'um. Oh no 'um. I'll keep mv mouth shet 
tight. 

Nancy. I must get to my father's camp to-night. How 
soon will supper be ready ? 

Peter. In just a little while missy. 

Nancy. Then tell Aunt Sophie I didn't care for any 
supper — only wished to rest — so I retired early. Do you 
understand? Now remember. 



8 The Spy 

Peter. Yas 'um! I'll tell de missus. (Exit Nancy.) 
Now when dis heah niggah forgets des pas few minutes, 
when dat little gal tells me all of a sudden she ain't 
crazy and she's a spy, and pints a pistol at me all in de 
same breaf, um ! Well, when I forgets dat I'll be a 
dead niggah sleepin' peacefully in de graveyard, show 
nuff. Des heah times is awful wid deni British bullets 
a zizzlin obah youah head and little gals runnin' round 
pinting pistols. 

{B:^it shaking head. Enter Dorothy reading note.) 

Dorothy. There, now, Lieutenant Robert Hamilton 
Page, is a note written in my neatest hand and best style. 
I hope it will suit your high, fastidious taste. (Court- 
esy. Goes to the cupboard and gazes at the picture of 
Dick musijigly.) Dick Haywood you are nice — yes I 
do like you a great deal, but you're not as good looking 
as Robert Page. I remember when I was a little girl I 
used nearly to cry my eyes out because you wouldn't 
notice me. (Laughs.) And now its time for you to shed 
a few tears. Well, I guess I had better remove these 
ink stains from my hands before supper. (Enter Susan.) 
Susan, I'm going to my room to fix for supper. I'll be 
down in a minute. (Exit.) 

Susan. All right. (Strolls to table and sees note.) 
So you have a regular correspondence have you ? That's 
the reason you have for not writing me is it, Lieutenant 
Page? I've found you out. That's what you call being 
true to a girl is it? And to think for over a year I've 
believed in you, loved you, trusted — And Dorothy, my 
very best friend, accepting my hospitality and writing 
letters to the man I love. Well, I guess not. (Starts 
tozvard R.) No, if you can go six weeks without writ- 
ing me a word you can wait six weeks longer to learn 
that I don't love you any more. Oh, why have I been 
so blind? Why have I been so foolish? I'm glad I un- 
derstand you both before I waste any more love on either 
of you. 

(Enter Mrs. H., R.) 

Mrs. H. Susan, what do you think about having some 



The Spy 9 

of the farm hands stay in the house at night just for 
safety? I've been talking the matter over with Peter 
and although he encouraged the plan heartily this morn- 
ing before he left, I am unable to make him express an 
opinion now. What do you think? 

Susan. Mother, I don't think its necessary as yet. If 
the British move nearer I think it would be wise, but 
not now. Really I don't see any need tonight. 

Mrs. H. Very well. But remember my dear, Uncle 
Peter is too old to be of any real protection. Why Nancy 
is more. He is so nervous now, trying to set the table 
for supper that I'm really worried about him. He jumps 
at the slightest noise and almost runs to obey your slight- 
est wish. 

Susan. Oh, don't worry about Uncle Peter. He was 
too old for that ride today. The British are not going 
to bother us. Mother, remember Uncle John's scouts 
are only three miles away. 

(Bnter Dorothy.) 

Dorothy. Oh, is their camp only three miles? Then 
I can easily get some one to carry a letter for me in the 
morning, can I not? It seems to me as if they might 
call on us if they are that close. 

Mrs. H. Why, my dear, they only pitched camp there 
yesterday, and you know they don't play. General Hay- 
wood sends out scouting parties to obtain the lay of the 
land and off on dangerous missions. I am sure that Dick 
has not been able to obtain even an hour's furlough, or 
he would have been here. 

(Bnter Peter.) 

Peter. {Bowing and very dignified.) Breakfast — er 
— a— dinner am — a — supper am serbahed. 

Mrs. H. Susan, go call Nancy. 

Peter. No-eh-uh-no 'um, Miss Nancy (shaking) dun 
tol me to tell you she was tighed and to please excuse 
heah. She retighed early. 



10 The Spy 

Mrs. H. Poor child. I know she must be tired. Come 
girls. 

(Bxit all Girls chatting. Uncle Peter blonds out all 
but one candlestick. Bnter Nancy, R. Dressed in long 
dark cloak and hood with Melindy clutched tightly in 
her arms. She stealthily slips across room and out at 
the French window.) 

Peter, (gazing after her).. She may not be daffy but 
she acts mightily lak it and she will shorely git into trou- 
ble if she goes galavantin' 'round dat British camp all 
by her lonesome. (Takes up candle and exits.) 

CURTAIN. 

ACT II. 

(Scene, same as Act I. As the curtain rises 
the candles are lighted. Mrs. Hayzuood, Susan, 
and Dorothy are sitting around the table sewing 
and singing some pretty old ballad. Nancy looks 
in at the window, smiles, turns and beckons. 
Page and Dick appear and look in window. 
The three are seen whispering in silence, then 
the two men disappear. A shrill whistle is 
heard.) . . 

Mrs. H. Listen! (Whistle repeated.) 

Susan. It's Dick. 

(Mrs. H. and Susan rush for the door. Sounds of 
welcome outside. Dorothy zvaits at door. Bnter Page.) 

Page. Well, Miss Dorothy! This is a surprise! I'm 
delighted. 

Dorothy. It seems as if we were rather left out on 
this doesn't it? But it's time you were calling on us. 
(Bnter Dick, Mrs. H., and Susan:) 

Dick. We wouldn't be here now if it weren't for me. 
Tell them, Rob. 

Page. Well, Colonel Haywood got a message this 
afternoon that caused him to give orders for breaking 



The Spy 11 

camp and moving tonight. Dick was pitched from a 
horse yesterday. The General didn't consider him able 
to take the rough ride tonight so he ordered me to bring 
him home to rest up. The messenger seemed to think 
it perfectly 'safe, so here we are. (Smiles and nods at 
A'ancy thro ugh the zciiidozv.) 

Mrs. H . Poor boy, come let me get you something 
hot to drink and dress your arm. (Rings bell. Enter 
Uncle Pe^er.) Peter, herb tea for two. Come Richard. 

{Exit Mrs. H. and Dick talking. Susan starts. Page 
steps in front of her.) 

Page. Susan — • 

Susaii. Lieutenant Page, will you please let me pass? 
(Page steps aside and stares after her.) 

Dorothy. Lieutenan-t Page, here is my answer to your 
note. I was just wondering how I could send it to you 
but now I can deliver it in person. (Courtesies and 
hands it to him.) (He bozi's in return and absent-mind- 
edly puts it in his pocket.) 

Page. So kind of you, ]\Iis5 Dorothy. I certainly ap- 
preciate it. (Keeps zcatchi]ig door.) I hardly dared 
hope to get a reply and so quickly. Are you all quite 
well here? 

Dorothy. Yes indeed. In perfect health, thank you. 
And is ever3^one well at General Haywood's camp? By 
the way, the general's daughter is here visiting us. You 
know she had a severe fall last autumn and it affected 
her brain. T never heard the particulars but the poor 
child is hopelessly demented. Have you ever seen her? 

Page. Yes, I have seen Nancy Haywood. Quite a 
remarkable child. 

Dorothy. But have you seen her lately? 

Page. Yes. I meant she was remarkably odd. (Still 
ivatches the door.) 

Dorothy. Won't you sit down? (Page starts.) You 
seem verv anxious for something to drink. (He sits 



12 The Spy 

down.) Was it very cold out tonight? {Looks de- 
murely but coquettishly up at him.) 

Page. Cold? Why no it wasn't cold. (Rouses him- 
self and turns his attention to her.) Uli — What an 
exquisite locket you have on Miss Dorothy. And who 
is the fortunate fellow, whose picture it contains? 

Dorothy. No one. (Smiling up at him.) 

Page. Tut, Tut ! That will never do. Let me show 
you my miniature. (Takes out locket containing mini- 
ature of Susan.) Have you ever seen her before? 

Dorothy. Why it's Susan. I never saw it before. 

Page. No, she never did either. An artist she met 
while she was at school in Baltimore painted it from 
memory. (Returns to his pocket.) Now you see what 
an example I have set. (Enter Susan with tray.) x\nd 
you should follow it and not let your locket go to waste. 
(Susan tries to withdraw, rattles a cup, regains self- 
composure, and with cold yet gracious manner:) 

Susan. Pardon me. Lieutenant Page, but mother was 
sure you would want a cup of hot herbs before you start 
on an all night ride. (Hands to him.) You didn't care 
for any did you, Dorothy? (Dorothy ^shakes her head.) 
I thought not. I'll put the cookies where you both can 
reach them. 

(B^rit Susan. Page and Dorothy look at each other 
amazed.) 

Dorothy. What is the trouble between you and Su- 
san? You told me that you were such good friends and 
intimated both in our talks and in your note of your high 
esteem for her. And then you carry her miniature, and 
yet when I mentioned 3^our name this afternoon she 
jumped up and left the room. It is so unlike Susan. 
What is the matter? 

Page. I was just going to ask you. You know more 
about it than I do. I didn't know anything was wrong 
until she treated me so coolly when I came. Before to- 
night we had always been the best of friends. In fact, 
I think more of her than any other person in the world, 



The Spy 13 

and always shall. (Gets up and paces floor.) Miss 
Dorothy, Susan's regard for me means more than you 
can imagine. Will you help me find the cause of her 
sudden indifference? 

Dorothy. Indeed I will. Susan is my best and dear- 
est friend, and anything that concerns her concerns me 
and I will do my best to help you. 

Page. I shall appreciate it more than I will ever be 
able to tell you. {Enter Mrs. H., Dick, and Susan. Dick 
and Susan notice Dorothy and Page.) I pledge my 
friendship for life. (Kisses hand.) 

Mrs. H. Now Dick, dear, don't you think you had 
better retire? I'm afraid you've overdone yourself al- 
ready. , 

Dick. Yes mother, in a minute. But I'm all right. I 
only felt tired after that five mile ride over so rough a 
road. It just jarred me up a bit. 

Susan. Dick, how on earth did you keep your saddle 
and the middle of the road at the same time with a dis- 
located shoulder and a sprained wrist. 

Dick. (Sleepily.) Oh, it was easy enough with 
Nancy. (Page frozvns.) I held on all right and she 
kept the road. 

All. Nancy. (Dick looks scared.) 

Page. Yes, Nancy is a good reliable horse. Really 
the safest in the camp and knows these roads well. That's 
the reason I got her for Dick to ride. 

Dick. Yes, Nancy is a good easy-going horse. And 
really they treat me like an invalid, when I only intend 
to stay here tonight and tomorrow. It was the all night 
ride that would have been too much for me, even on 
Nancy. The British scouts, I mean about fifty of Tar- 
laton's men that he detached to get the lay of the land 
here in the south, are approaching. Uncle John got word 
of their maneuvers and decided to break camp, scatter, 
and await developments. I was more bother than help 
in this condition so he sent me home for you to mend. 

Mrs. M. Did you know your cousin Nancy was here? 



14 The Spy 

Dick. Yes, Uncle John said he had sent her to you. 
Seems as if he is in the habit of unloading his undesir- 
ables on you. 

Dorothy. Now, Dick. You know you don't think you 
are undesirable. 

Dick. Well, I know I'm a sorry looking sight right 
now, so I guess I'll remove this blurr from off the land- 
scape. (Gets up and starts for door, follozved by Mrs. 
H.) Page, take good care of yourself and the boys. I'll 
be with you in a day or two. Good night, girls. I'll 
see you in the morning. Mother, are you coming with 
me? All right. Good night everybody. {B.rit Mrs. 
H. and Dick.) 

All. Good night. 

Dorothy. Oh, Mrs. Haywood, wait a moment. I 
want to ask you something. (B^'it.) Stisan starts but 
Page stands in front of door.) 

Page. I must have a word with yau before I leave. I 
must hurry for I have a special, delicate, and dangerous 
mission tonight, but I can't leave you in this way. What 
is it that has come between us since I last saw you? 
Look at me, Susan. {She goes back to the table.) Don't 
you love me any more? 

Susan. Do you love me any more? 

Page. What makes you ask that? 

Susan. Why did you ask if? 

Page. Because you are acting as if you utterly de- 
spised me and wished to avoid me above all things. 

Sttsan. Do you think you acted as if you loved me as 
madly as you declared? 

Page. Yes. If I have acted otherwise I was unaware 
of the fact. Please cite one instance of indifference on 
my part. 

Susaii. I suppose you don't consider not writing for 
six months, indifference. 

Page. (Greatly relieved. Drazvs packet of letters 
from pocket.) Oh, is that all? My dear Susan, I thought 



The Spy 15 

you were sensible enough to know if you didn't hear 
from me it was because it was impossible to get word 
to you. You told me before I left that you would un- 
derstand, so why — 

Susan. {Facing him. Does not see letters.) Yes you 
thought I was sensible enough for that, but not sensible 
enough to resent your being able to correspond with 
other girls. (A flash of understanding on Page's face. 
He starts to hand her the letters. She moves to the win- 
douf and stands ga:ztng out. Then desperately — ) I'm 
glad. Lieutenant Page, I've found out your infidelity. 

Page. (Pauses.) Susan — you can't mean — surely 
you couldn't object — Susan, answer my question. Do 
you love me? 

Susan. No! (Page starts. Puts letters back into 
pocket.) I hate you. I despise you. I don't ever want 
to lay eyes on you again. 

Page. You may never. I'm going out tonight as a 
spy. My country needs certain papers in the hands of 
the British and I go to obtain them.- I feel somehow 
that I may never see you again, {pauses. Susan gasps.) 
Good-bye Susan. (Susan turns, from him, bites her lip.) 

Susan . Good-bye. 

(Page zvalks to the door, turns, and ga:;cs at her. 
Takes out miniature, ga-ces from one to the other, presses 
the miniature to his lips, and sadly, slozvly, leaves the 
room. (Lights low.) Susan runs to the zvindovj and 
looks out then buries her face in her hands, sobbing.) 

CURTAIN. 

ACT III. 

(Garden at the Hayz^'ood's. As curtain rises, 
Dick is holding yarn for Dorothy.) 
Dorothy. Oh — do stop your foolishness and be sensi- 
ble for a' few minutes. You've been talking nonsense 
long enough. 

Dick. But, Dorothy, it's not nonsense. If you could 



16 The Spy 

only see how beautiful you are with the light falling on 
your hair — 

Dorothy. (Spitefully.) It is too bad that your love 
for the beauty of my hair should overcome your love for 
your country's freedom, and make you perfectly con- 
tented to stay at home and wind yarn, and spin yarns — 

Dick. Stop! You know that the Doctor forbade my 
leaving for a day or two yet. And also Uncle sent word 
that he didn't need me, so am I not justified in enjoying 
to the utmost the pleasures of home, and the beauties it 
shelters ? 

Dorothy. No, not when Susan is so worried and sad. 

Dick. By Jove ! First it's my country, and then it's 
my sister. What's the matter with Susan ? 

Dorothy. I don't know. That's just it. But you are 
certainly blind if you haven't noticed how dreamy and 
sad she is. 

Dick. Sad? Why, I thought she seemed gayer than 
usual lately. 

Dorothy. Yes, when we're around, she is, but watch 
her the next time she doesp't know you're looking. She's 
been this way ever since the night you came home. 
Can't you guess what it is? 

Dick. Well, I don't see why she should object to my 
being at home. 

Dorothy. Spoiled thing! 

Dick. The only other reason I can think of, is that she 
is miserable over seeing her brother's heart so tram- 
pled on. 

Dorothy. Good gracious ! You're so dense. Didn't 
you know that she and Lieutenant Page were in love? 

Dick. Yes, I knew that, but why should that make 
her sad? They've loved each other ever since the first 
time I brought him home from school with me. 

Dorothy. But it's all broken off now. Something 
happened before you came home last week, and that 
night she told him she didn't love him, and he asked me 



The Spy 17 

to try to straighten things out for him. He gave me a 
whole packet of letters when he left to give her, if she 
ever spoke of him. Here they are — {drazvs from bag) — 
for she's never even hinted at his name and she gets 
paler and paler, and thinner and thinner. Oh, Dick, 
we simply must do something. 

Dick. I'll do whatever you say, but, I can't tell a 
thing about girls. They're all queer. 

Dorothy. There she comes, now, with Nancy. The 
child was gone so long Mistress Haywood got worried 
and sent Susan to find her. She seems to love to be by 
herself and roam about so. Last night after supper your 
mother found her going out the garden gate in a great 
hurry. She has forbiddien her walking on the public 
highway but this is the third time we've caught her there. 

Dick. Oh, don't worry about it and don't let them. 
No one would bother her, and she has enough sense to 
get home' anyway. You girls must not go after her 
again. Send Uncle Peter, or tell me. {Enter Nancy 
and Susan.) 

Nancy. And, Susan, there was a little bird, high up 
in a tree, that was singing me the prettiest song — all 
about spring, sure enough spring, with flowers, and 
trees, and grass, and rippling brooks, and soft breezes, 
and then, — and then, — you — came, Susan, and he flew 
away. 'Oh, why did you come? Last night the sunset 
was calling me, but Aunt Sophie stopped it. Oh, why 
won't you let me be happy? {Walks over and sits on 
zi/oodpile.) 

Dorothy. Susan, it is so nice out here, don't go in, 
stay here with us. 

Susan. Thanks, but I was helping mother with some 
sewing, when she sent me after Nancy, and I had bet- 
ter get back to that. I may be out later. {Exit.) 

Dick. I don't see anything the matter with Susan. 
She looks and acts the same as usual. {Nancy listens.) 

Dorothy. Well, you must be blind then. She does 



18 The Spy 

love him or she wouldn't worry like that. Oh, if I could 
only give .her these letters. 

Dick. Why don't you? 

Dorothy. But, Dick, I promised I wouldn't. 

Dick. Why didn't he give them to her, if he wrote 
them to her? 

Dorothy. That's what I asked him. He said he had 
intended to but she had said something that hurt his 
pride, so he didn't. (Nancy gets up and starts toward 
house.) 

Dick. Well, I don't see why Page should worry you 
with his troubles. Come, you've been knitting long 
enough. Let's walk to the gate and back. 

Dorothy. All right, I'm tired of sitting still so long. 
(They get up and start oif. Enter Nancy running.) 

Nancy. Miss Dorothy, Aunt Sophie wants you, please. 

Dorothy. I'll be back in just a minute. (Exit.) 

Nancy. Dick, a half dozen red-coats are coming down 
the road, headed for here. I saw them from my win- 
dow. You go in the house and keep the women amused, 
and I'll manage the British. They are probably look- 
ing for you. I told you not to walk in the cotton field 
this morning. But go in quick and leave things to me. 
If they start in I'll laugh real loud and you hide some 
place — You know best where — don't let the women know 
until they start in. Now hurry — 

Dick. But Nancy — 

Nancy. Dick, I'm father's spy, now, fighting the Red- 
coats. Do as I say and — hurry. Get in quick. (He 
exits tozvard hpuse. Enter Livingstone and Abbot.) You 
mean old Red-coat, you can't have my doll. (Stamps 
foot.) 

Colonel L. Child, I don't want your doll, I want to 
see Mr. Haywood. 

Nancy. You can't see him, and you won't ever, cause 
he's gone to heaven, and Red-coats go to the other place. 

Colonel. I mean young Dick Haywood. 



The Spy 19 

Nancy. Oh, you must be the man he was expecting. 
He told Aunt Sophie that we'd better leave, 'cause an 
old Britisher would be around here soon. ^ So Uncle 
Peter hitched up and we all got in and started over to 
a cousin of somebody's down the pike there. (Points.) 
They got ahead of you that time, didn't they Mr. Brit- 
isher? (Latiglts.) 

Colonel. Where did you say they went? 

Nancy. Right down that road, long time ago. 

Major. Colonel, is the child telling you the truth? 
We've passed her on the road and you know her mind's 
not right. 

Colonel. But why did they leave you here? 

Nancy. They didnt' leave me here. Dick and Uncle 
Peter were in the front seat, and Aunt Sophie and Susan 
in the back seat, so they put me in the back, with my 
feet hanging out. They thought I couldn't hear them 
talking, but I could, and they were talking about you old 
Britishers, and Fse afraid you'd get my doll. So I slide 
out and comed back for it, and now you can't have it. 
(Starts off.) 

Colonel. Wliere are you going? 

Nancy. Why, Pm going to catch up with them. 
(Starts on.) 

Colonel. The child must be telling the truth, she hasn't 
sense enough not to. Come we mustn't waste tiiiie. Or- 
der the men to turn and go down the road on the gal- 
lop. (B.vit Major.) Little girl, I'm going your way, 
I'll take you on the horse with me. 

Nancy. No you won't. I won't ride on an old Brit- 
isher horse. 

Colonel. (Laughing.) Well, don't walk too fast. 
We'll all be back in a little while. (E.vit both. Gallop- 
ing heard outside.) 

(Enter Peter, looks off dozen road and sighs. Enter 
Dick cautiously.) 

Peter. Marse Dick, dar was some Britishahs heah, I 



20 The Spy 

seen 'em from the bahn, and little Miss Nancy, she jes' 
talk to dem, and dey jes went galloping off like de bery 
ole devil herself was aftah dem. (Chuckles.) Laws oh 
mersy, dat chile's a wondah." 

Dick. Uncle Peter, don't mention this to the girls. 

Peter. I won't. No sah. Miss Nancy done told me 
what she'd do to me if I did. I done keep my mouf 
shut. Naw sah, I won't say nothing-nothin' at all. 
{Exit. Enter Nancy.) 

Nancy. They are way over the top of the hill now. 
{Drops on bench laughing.) 

Dick. How did you do it? — What did you tell them — 
Why did you follow them down the road? 

Nancy. They were after you. I told them you were 
expecting: them, so the whole family started to drive to 
a cousin's up that road, about half an hour ago, and that 
I slipped out of the back of the wagon and came after 
my doll. And they, Colonel Livingston and Major Ab- 
bot, of the British Scouts, believed all I said. They've 
passed me several times on the road and they thought 
I didn't have any more sense than to tell them all I 
knew. My, but they're dull ! 

Dick. Nancy, you're a slick one. You're worth all 
the rest of your father's scouts put together. 

Nancy. I saw Father this afternoon. 

Dick. "Saw your father? 

Nancy. Yes, he told me where he would be tonight 
and said for you to report for duty in the morning. But 
I think you had better leave right away, before they dis- 
cover my fraud. (Drazvs map from doll.) Here is 
where father is to meet with the men, tonight, by that 
tall birch, on the north side of that swamp. If you hurry 
you can reach there just about the time they pitch camp. 

Dick. Yes, I guess it will be better. I'll. go get on 
my things now. 

Nancy. Wait — I've bad news. I saved the worst un- 
til the last. Page has been captured. Those British 
have him now. 



The Spy 21 

Dick. Page? (Starts forzvard.) He was out as a 
spy, was he not? 

Nancy. Yes. 

Dick. (Falls on- bench.) Page — dear old fellow. 
Nancy, he was on a very dangerous mission. 

N^ancy. Yes, I know. 

Dick. And if the British get those papers ! We're 
lost, the whole army is lost. They were fortifications of 
Washington, that he was sending General Green. Brit- 
ish territory must be crossed to reach the messenger 
from Washington, and Uncle John sent Robert. Poor 
old fellow. But, Nancy, those papers — I dread to think 
of the consequences if the British get at them. I can't 
realize it. Nancy — Rob. — the dear old fellow. I must 
go now, and tell Uncle and see if anything can be done. 
(Sadly goes tozuard the house, follozi^ed by Nancy. En- 
ter Dorothy.) 

Dorothy. Do you still want to walk to the gate? 

Nancy. Dick, Til go get your things. (B.vit.) 

Dorothy. Get your things? Why, where are you 
going? 

Dick. Back to the field. 

Dorothy. But you just told me you weren't well 
enough. 

Dick. I'm not but it doesn't make any diflference to 
anyone whether I take cold in my shoulder and die, or 
whether I'm caught and hung as a spy. (Sinks discon- 
solately on bench.) 

Dorothy. (Starts tozcard him. Hesitates, then slozt'- 
ly.) Oh, Dick, you shouldn't say that. You know your 
mother and Susan care and General Haywood — an' Nan- 
cy — an' — Robert Page — 

Dick. They don't count. (Aside.) Poor old Rob. 
(Sighs.) 

Dorothy. (Starts tozvard him.) But you will be care- 
ful, won't vou Dick? 



22 The Spy 

Dick. Don't see why I should, I tell you nobody 
cares — (Gets up and starts tozvard house.) 

Dorothy. Well — Dick — I care. 

Dick. Dorothy! {Turns tozuard her.) 

Dorothy. (Backing awny.) Oh, of course I mean — I 
mean I don't want to see you hurt. 

Dick. (Taking both her hands in his tininjured one.) 
Dorothy, tell me you love me, and I'll go out on the field 
and be careful. Say you don't, and I'll — (Glances over 
his shoulder.) I'll stay here and let the British catch 
me and hang me. 

Dorothy. The British? 

Dick. Yes, the British! Look coming over the hill. 
They're after me. Shall I give myself up, or hike for 
the woods ? Do you love me ? 

Dorothy. I like you — (Dick sits dozun) — Yes, I love 
you — I do — I do. Please, dear Dick, hurry. Don't let 
them catch you. (Bnter Mrs. H. zvith cartridge belt, 
Susan with cap, and Nancy zvith gun.) 

Dick. (Takes belt, cap and gun.) I must hurry, the 
British are in sight on the hill there now. Good-bye, 
take good care of yourselves. (Exit.) 

Mrs. H. Come girls, let's get in doors. I always feel 
safer. Oh, I do hope the dear boy will hurry. (Glances 
tozvard the place zvhere Dick left. All start tozvard house. 
Nancy runs, picks up Dorothy's bag, that has been left 
on the bench.. She takes out letters and puts bag back.) 
Nancy. Susan, Susan. (Bxit Mrs. H. and Dorothy.) 
Susan. {Turning.) What is it, Nancy? 

Nancy. I found all these letters. Can I have them to 
cut into paper dolls? 

Susan. Let me see them. (Gasps.) No! Give them 
to me. (Drops on bench. Nancy stands behind smiling.) 
Where did you get them? 

Nancy. Found 'em down by the road, all covered with 
leaves. (Gallop heard faintly.) 

Susan. When ? 



The Spy 23 

N'ancy. Oh, — the other day. (Susan reads, laughs, 
and cries, hugs the zi'hole packet.) 

Susan. Oh you dear. (Hugs Nancy.) To think that 
I so misjudged you. Here are letters dated every few 
days for the past — oh months. (Galloping heard near 
at hand.) (Enter Mrs. H.) 

Mrs. H. Girls, come here at once. (A'ancy and Susan 
start tozvard house. Enter Colonel Livingston and Major 
Abbot and an orderly.) ♦ 

Colonel L. Pardon this intrusion, madam. You're 
Mrs. Haywood, I believe. (Mrs. H. nods.) I am 
Colonel Livingston, a loyal subject to our most gracious 
King George. 

Mrs. H. I am sorry, sir, that I cannot join with you 
in singing King George's praises. 

Colonel. Madam, it pains me to inform you that your 
house shelters not only a spy, but also a lair. The former 
I must trouble you for. 

Mrs. H. Will you be so kind as to explain yourself? 

Colonel. A search will answer the purpose better than 
an explanation, since you take the attitude you do. Or- 
derly, have the men surround the house. (Exit Orderly.) 
Major Abbot, come we'll search the house.'' 

Mrs. H. Colonel Livingston ! 

Colonel L. I'm sorry. Madam. But your son is far 
too dangerous to let slip through our fingers. If you 
will produce him, much trouble may be avoided. 

Mrs. H. I give you my word that my son is not in 
my house. Nor do I know where he is. 

Colonel. I'm sorry. Madam, that I cannot take your 
word for it. One person in your household can tell lies 
at any rate. This little lady, (pointing at Nancy) has a 
lively imagination and should be dealt with severely. 
Major Abbot, we will search the house now. (Exit 
both.) 

Mrs. H. Nancy, come here. Have you ever spoken 
to this man before? 



24 The Spy 

Nancy. Yes, just a while ago. 

Mrs. H. Where? 

Nancy. Here. 

All. Here? 

Nancy. Yes, right here. 

Dorothy. What did he want? 

Nancy. Dick. 

All Dick! 

Mrs. H. What did you tell him? 

Nancy. I told him — that I didn't like him {holds 
head) . Oh, yes, and that Dick didn't either, — and that 
he'd gone out riding. 

Mrs. H. What made you tell that? 

Nancy. To see if he'd believe me. {brightening). 
And he did too. 

{Enter Peter rolling his eyes and running.) 

Uncle Peter. Oh, Missus, Oh, Missus; Poah Marse 
Page — Poah — 

Mrs. H. What is it, Peter, tell me? 

Peter. Dey got him all tied up — and he — 

Mrs. H. Him? What him? Who? 

Peter. Marse Page. Dey got him tied up on a horse, 
and when I axed one of dem red-coats what dey's agwine 
teah do wid him — dey 'jes laugh and say he'd be swing- 
in' from a nice, tall, tree in dah mornin'. 

Susan. Oh, mother, not Page — not truly — oh Uncle 
Peter, say it's not true — Dorothy — Oh — {Cries on moth- 
er's shoulder. Bi'it Dorothy, hack.) Please see, — Oh, 
Mother, Mother. What can we do? 

Mrs. H. There, there, dear, maybe Uncle Peter was 
mistaken. Don't cry so. Surely — {Re-enter Dorothy, 
frightened.) 

Dorothy. Susan — 

Susan. Oh, Dorothy — was it — Oh, no, no, no. It 
wasn't — It couldn't — not truly ; Oh, tell me, tell me. 



The Spy 25 

Dorothy. Yes, Susan, it is Lieutenant Page. (Susan 
throws herself back into her mother's arms lueeping.) 

Mrs. H. Calm yourself, dea-r. Here comes Colonel 
Livingston. (Enter Colonel Livingston and Major Ab- 
bot. Exit Susan back.) 

Colonel. Mrs. Haywood, I did not find your son. 
But I will have to make your house my headquarters 
for a day or two. I shall make as little trouble as pos- 
sible. Only Major Abbot and myself will stay in the 
house. My scouts will pitch their tents in the pasture 
there. A spy has been traced back and forth between 
the British and Colonial lines, so this precaution must 
be taken. 

Mrs. H. I shall do my best to make you comfortable. 
If you will come now, I'll take you to your room. (B.vit 
Mrs. H., Dorothy, and Major Abbot. Colonel Living- 
ston starts, enter Orderly zvith Susan.) 

Orderly. Colonel Livingston, just a minute please. 
(Colonel turns round.) Did you give this young lady 
permission to speak to our prisoner? 

Colonel. Indeed, I did not. I am glad you detained 
her. That will do. (B.vit Orderly.) 

Susan. Oh, Mr. Officer, can't I just speak one word 
to your prisoner? 

Colonel. No, my dear, young lady, I'm sorry, but you 
cannot. 

Sitsan. Why not? 

Colonel. It's against all rules to let strangers talk ,to 
captives, especially spies. 

Susan. But I give you my word of honor it — it is 
entirely a personal matter. Please just a few words. 

Colonel. No, I have no doubt but what it is personal. 
The spy that has been traced crossing the lines is thought 
by some to be a woman. (He zvatches her closely.) 

Susan. (Thinking.) Could— might — If I write a 
note, would you have it delivered? (Enter Orderly.) 

Orderly. Major Abbot and Mrs. Haywood are wait- 



26 The Spy 

ing for you to inspect the living room to see if it suits 
you for your headquarters. 

Colonel. No, Miss Haywood, you cannot, and must 
not communicate with my prisoner. {Uxit zvith orderly. 
Susan looks off back, then turns and goes sadly back to 
the house.) 

(During this time N'ancy Jias been sitting on bench, 
thinking. And Uncle Peter has been sitting behind the 
zuoodpile, like a frightened rabbit. As Susan leaves he 
conies from beJiind the zvoodpile, C, and ga::es at 
Nancy.) 

Peter. Miss Nancy, ain't dar somethin' you can do 
foah Alarse Page? 

Nancy. I'm just thinking, Uncle Peter. {Pause.) 
Oh, we must. Will you help? 

Peter. Dat I will, honey. Jes' you tell dis heah ole 
niggah what ter do, I'se gwine do it, jes' like you say. 
Poah little Miss Susan, 'jes cryin' her pretty eyes out. 
Course I'se gwine help. What you want me ter do? 
{Nancy still thinks.) You'se a spy, you must know 
something. (Pause.) 

Nancy. Uncle Peter, I belieye I have it! With your 
help we'll save Lieutenant Page and fool these British 
yet. 

QUICK CURTAIN. 

ACT IV. 

(Scene, same as Acts I. and II. Colonel Liv- 
ingston is sitting at table zi'riting, C. Enter 
Orderly. Salutes.) 

Orderly. Major Abbot, sir. 

Colonel, Tell him to enter. (Enter Abbot and salutes.) 
Well, what news? 

Major. No traces of young Haywood. Here are or- 
ders from General Cornwallis. (Hands to him. General 
reads.) 



The Spy 27 

Colonel. We have orders to go on the march tonight. 
Make a juncture with General Tarlaton's men at day- 
break. He is to attack a part of General Green's troops 
under Morgan at Cowpens, in the morning. 

Major, Well, 'twill be an easy victory for such a man 
as Tarlaton. 

Colonel. Then why does he need my little handful of 
men? 

Major. The messenger who gave me this about noon 
said General Greene had greatly improved his men, and 
that he was expected to leave his encampment on the 
Pee Dee River and meet Morgan, and go North, so we 
won't be needed here any longer. 

Colonel. Needed! Needed! If Cornwallis knew the 
trickery of these confounded rebel spies, and the progress 
they've made around here lately — Well, we'd both likely 
be court-martialed. Orderly, — (Enter Orderly) — Go 
have Johnson make ready for a twelve mile ride. Here — 
give him this order and have him take this dispatch to 
Tarlaton. And Orderly — When you return there'll be 
a dispatch here for Captain Jenkins — Deliver it. 

Orderly. Yes, sir — (Salutes and Exits.) 

(Colonel Livingston ztrites. Major Abbot takes off cap 
and settles himself in a chair.) 

Colonel. That dispatch told Tarlaton that we'd arrive 
at Cowpens at daybreak. And — er — (zvrites some more) 
— I'll tell Jenkins to have the men ready by nine to leave. 
There — (folds and seals). (Enter Peter.) 

Peter. Dinnah am servahed. 

Major. Well, Rastus, it's time — It's time — Come 
Colonel. 

Colonel. I'm coming. I'm coming. (Exit all.) 

(Peter takes out all but one candle. Nancy sticks her 
head out of fireplace, and then crawls out, slips to door, 
listens, then goes to zcindozv and listens. Tiptoes back 
to table and opens order. Noise heard outside.) 



28 The Spy 

Lieut. Page. (Outside of French windozi^.) Nancy, 
Nancy. 

Nancy. Is that you, Lieutenant? {Goes and opens 
windozv.) Come quickly. 

Page. {Glancing around.) How did you do it? 

Nancy. With Peter's help. You didn't think I would 
sit here and let them — let them. You must have known 
I would do something. Are they really going to hang 
you? 

Page. Yes, Nancy, that's the penalty of a careless spy. 

Nancy. But your dispatches. Washington's fortifi- 
cations. 

Page. I've saved those. {Drazvs locket from pocket 
inside his coat.) If you can save them and get them to 
your father, my mission will have been fulfilled, and I 
can die knowing that I've served my country well. 

Nancy. What chance have you of getting through the 
lines ? 

Page. None. 

Nancy. Then, I must. 

Page. But, Nancy, you shan't risk yourself. Your 
father would never get ovef it, if anything should hap- 
pen to you. 

Nancy. How many men will be in father's camp to- 
night ? 

Page. Aboilt twelve, I think. 

Nancy. That won't do. {Thinks.) I have it. Here's 
an order to Captain Jenkins for his men to march north 
tonight, to meet with Tarlaton and attack Morgan at 
Cowpens tomorrow. I'll change these orders a trifle, 
divide the British Scouts, then go for our men. In that 
way you'll be saved and Tarlaton will be deprived of 
about fifty men. {Sits at table and copies Colonel's or- 
der.) 

Page. But, can't they tell the difference in your hand- 
writing ? 

Nancy. I think not. If I'm very careful. 



The Spy 29 

Page. I don't see how I'm to be saved, yet. 

Nancy. If I cut Livingston's men away from the 
house, Father can certainly capture the two officers, an 
orderly, and a sentinel, and release you. 

Page. Well, what are to become of the men you are 
sending to the forks of the road ? 

Nancy. After their Colonel and Major are captured, 
they won't hold out long, then we can follow, attack the 
retreating flank of the half marching north, and there 
you are. 

Page. I only hope it will be as easy as it sounds. 

Nancy. There, doesn't that look like this? {Holds 
lip both orders. Three sharp raps heard on the zuindozv.) 
I That's Uncle Peter. The orderly's coming. We must 
hide. (Leave order on table. They hide. Enter Order- 
ly. He takes ^up order and Exits.) Now you be care- 
ful until I get back. {He hands her the dispatch.) 

Page. Nancy, I feel cowardly, letting you go those 
five miles on a night like this. Don't you think — 

Nancy. Yes, I think I had better hurry. I can get a 
horse about a quarter of a mile from here, ride to the 
camp with your precious dispatch, and be back in less 
time than it takes to tell. 

Page. Do you suppose there is any possible chance of 
my seeing Susan? 

Nancy. Yes, I'll get Uncle Peter to bring her. {Exit. 
Page paces up and doivn.) 

Page. I'm a fool ! She doesn't love me. She said 
so. And why go through the pain of hearing her say it 
again. (Re-enter Nancy in long cloak and hood and 
doll.) 

Nancy. She'll be here in a few minutes. Now don't 
worry. In two hours you'll be a free man. (Exit French 
zi'indozv.) 

Page. Yes, if all goes well. (Goes to z^nndozv.) I 
wish you Godspeed, little girl. If only she gets through 
the lines successfully, she'll be all right. There's noth- 



30 The Spy 

ing cowardly about Nancy Haywood. She's handled 
some of the most important missions ever undertaken by 
a spy. I feel ashamed of myself. There she goes ? Out 
into the night, a mere child, to save me. While I stand 
here and twirl my thumbs like a woman. (Enter Susan.) 

Page. Susan! (Takes both her hands in his, and 
looks lovingly into her face.) 

Susan. Robert, dear, I got your letters. Forgive my 
unjust suspicions. 

Page. And you still love me, Susan? 

Susan. Yes, yes, but do you forgive me? 

Page. Forgive you? Forgive you? Why my dear 
little girl, you have made me so happy telling me once 
more that you love me, that I'd forgive you the greatest 
crime ever committed. 

Susan. Oh, dear, are you to be — will they — 

Page. Yes, Susan, I'm a spy. 

Susan. Is there no hope? 

Page. No. (looking out zvindow). It's useless. I 
feel that it's all over. Susan, I 've fulfilled an important 
mission for my country and you've told me again that 
you love me. I can die a contented man at daybreak. 
(Enter Colonel and Major.) 

Colonel. Ahah ; so Miss Haywood, you plead a head- 
ache, to leave the dining room to come and talk to my 
prisoner in my headquarters. 

Susan. In my own home. (Enter Mrs. H.) 

Colonel. Major Abbot, take him to the lock house 
and have him tied securely and tell the guard I'll hold 
him personally responsible if this man gets out again. 
And make it clear. There has been too much spying 
around here, to suit me. I'll put an end to it. These 
greenhorn, country outlaws, can't cope with English 
tactics. I'll — 

Mrs. H. Colonel Livingston, as a special favor, I beg 
of you to allow this boy io be confined in the house. It's 
a damp, raw, night outside. He is an old family friend. 



The Spy 31 

I feel toward him as I do my own son. Have you a 
son? 

Colonel. (Huskily.) Yes. 

Mrs. H. Then for your own son's sake, let this boy 
sleep in a comfortable place tonight. That old storage 
room is damp and ill-built. Please grant me this favor. 
The first I've asked of you since you've taken my house. 

Colonel. A prisoner's a — 

Mrs. H. Human. If your boy were to be hanged for 
fighting for his country's freedom, fighting heart and 
soul for what he thought right, wouldn't you want some 
one to treat him kindly? 

Colonel. Smythe. (Enter Orderly.) 

Orderly. Yes, sir. 

Colonel. Take this man wherever Mrs. Haywood says. 
And keep your eye on him, understand? 

Orderly. Yes, sir. (B.vit Page, Orderly, and Mrs. H.) 

Sitsan. Colonel Livingston, is he to be — are you — 
going to — to — 

Colonel. Yes, Miss Susan, we captured him as a spy, 
and he must be hanged. (Susan gasps. Then desper- 
ately.) 

Susan. But surely — 

Colonel. Miss Susan, do you realize that you have 
put yourself under suspicion by showing yourself to be 
so interested in my prisoner? In fact, I have you watch- 
ed every step you take away from the house. 

Susan. (Surprised.) ^lay I ask why? 

Colonel. I have explained to you that we are looking 
for the spy that has been going in and out of our lines. 

Susan. (Pointing toivard door.) Do you think that 
he is the one? 

Colonel. (Crossly.) I don't know: You are acting 
very queerly. 

Susan. If you think that I'm the spy, why are you 
going to hang him ? Oh, please, won't you just keep 
him as a prisoner of war? 



32 The Spy 

Colonel. I'm sorry, Miss Susan, that you are so in- 
terested in this spy. And remember your own move- 
ments are watched. We'll be a night's ride from here. 
Major /\bbot, as the Orderly is occupied would you step 
down to Captain Jenkins' tent and tell him to have the 
men ready in twenty minutes to go on the march. {Exit 
Major Abbot, cuter Mrs. H.) 

Mrs. H. Colonel Livingston, are you leaving? 

Colonel. Yes, madam,' we leave in twenty minutes. 
I'll see that your friend gets a horse part of the time on 
the march. Thank you for your kindness. I wish you 
were glad at the service you have rendered King George, 
and I hope the next time I have the pleasure of meeting 
you ladies, it will be — (Bnter Major Abbot hurriedly.) 

Major. Colonel, Captain Jenkins and all the scouts 
have gone. Rastus, come here. (Bnter Peter.) 

Colonel. Gone ? 

Major. Yes, Rastus said they left an hour ago. Just 
as we finished dinner. 

Colonel. Where did they go? Where did they go? 
Answer me you black ape, you. 

Peter. Haf, haf of 'em went towahed de forks, and 
haf of 'em went up the road. 

Colonel. I never gave any such order. I'll teach Jen- 
kins to disobey my orders. Major Abbot, tell Smythe 
to bring his prisoner and come here. (B.rit Major. 
Colonel paces floor, muttering. Bnter Smythe, with 
Page and Major. 

Colonel. Smythe, did you give Captain Jenkins my 
order? 

Smythe. Yes, sir. 

Colonel. When? 

Smythe. Right after you sat down to dinner, sir. 

Colonel. Did Jenkins read the order to his men? 

Orderly. No sir. He read it and then ordered his 
men to divide one half to go north, up the road, and the 
other half to go to the forks of the road. By the time 



The Spy 33 

I got back to the house they were in their saddles and 
off. 

Colonel. I never wrote any such order. What paper 
did you take? 

Orderly. One lying right here, sir, on the corner of 
this table. 

Colonel. Major Abbot, did you touch that order? 

Major. No, Colonel, I did not. 

Colonel. There's been a spy in this house. {Turns on 
Page.) You did it, did you? 

Orderly. Colonel, I'm sure no one entered the house 
before I came back after the order. Jackson stood watch 
on the front porch, and Stevenson was on sentinel duty 
in the rear. They're both reliable men, Colonel. 

Colonel. Then it is some one in the house that changed 
the order. (Turns on them.) Where's that little idiot? 
She fooled me once, but she can't do it again. Go get 
her, you black thing. (B-vit Peter.) Smythe, did any- 
one enter this room between the time I left, and you 
returned for the order? 

Orderly. If anyone did, Jackson didn't report it, sir. 
And I told him to let no one enter, unless he entered with 
them. 

Colonel. Jenkins is a numb-skull. He ought to have 
better sense than to have followed such an order. He 
might have known that I didn't write any such order. 
(Re-enter Peter.) 

Peter. Miss Nancy, ain't in her room, sah. 

Colonel. Not in her room? The little dunce. Where 
can she be? (Mrs. H. and girls look anxious.) Well, 
we're wasting time. Abbot, mount your horse and ride 
with Smythe to the forks o?*" the road and bring that half 
of my forces. (Exit Major and Smythe.) Now, ladies, 
do you know where that little crazy girl is? 

Mrs. H. Indeed I do not, Colonel. Would that I did. 
I supposed her safe in her room. Girls, do you know 
where she is? 



34 The Spy 

Susan. No, mother, I do not. 

Dorothy. I haven't seen her since this afternoon. 

Mrs. H. Well, come, we must hunt for her. (All 
start out. Enter Major and Orderly zmth Nancy.) 

Major. We found her unsaddling a fast-ridden horse 
in the stable, Colonel. 

Colonel. So. You're crazy and still can manage a 
horse on a dark, foggy, night like this. Still hugging 
that doll? {Snatches it from her, it falls on the floor 
and makes a loud thump. All start. Nancy gasps. CoL 
picks it up and pulls out pistol and a dispatch. Reads dis- 
patch.) Ahah; a dispatch to General Greene. So, I 
suppose you still claim to be crazy. Yes, crazy people 
usually are spies. 

Nancy. So I have judged lately; 

Colonel. Now, look here, little girl, no need to be 
smart. I've caught you in a hole now. Did you change 
my order? (Loying pistol on table.) 

Nancy. I did. 

Colonel. Then you'll hang in the morning with that 
fellow there. (Points at Page.) You thought you could 
fool me didn't you? 

A^ancy. I have all day. 

Col mi el. Then you'll stand up here and admit that 
you knew what you were doing? 

Nancy. Yes, I'm a spy of the United Colonies. I'm 
the spy that has crossed back and forth through the 
British lines for the past year, and I'm proud of it. 

Colonel. You won't talk so at daybreak, and that's- 
not very far off. 

N'ancy. He laughs best, who laughs last. 

Mrs. H. Colonel, the child does not know what she's. 
talking about. Her mind is not right. (Goes to cup- 
hoard.) Here is the letter her father wrote me. (He 
reads. Nancy slips anxiously to the zvindozv and listens.. 
Catches Page's eye and shakes her head doubtfully.) 



The Spy 35 

Colonel. (To Nancy.) So, General Haywood, of the 
Continental Scouts is your father? 

Nancy. Yes, and if you have caught me, you haven't 
caught my father. 

Colonel. You've all been fooling me. All of you. But 
you'll regret it when I hang them both in the morning. 
(Shakes finger at them. Enter Orderly, running.) 

Orderly. Colonel, the yard is full of rebel scouts. 
They've surrounded the house. 

Colonel. {Wildly.) We're trapped. Quick boys, to 
the window. {Colonel, Major, and Orderly start for the 
windozv. Nancy hands Page her pistol.) 

Page. Halt! Hands off those swords. Hands up 
high. High, I say. {Enter General Haywood and 
Dick.) 

General H. Surrender in the name of the United 
States of AMERICA. 

Nancy. And we won't be hanged in the morning. 
(Curtain dozvn to Star Spangled Banner.) 



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TWO PLAYS Fommrs 

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<*The Millionaire Janitor 



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Up Caesar's Creek 



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These comedies are protected by copyright, but 
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